BRITISH QUEST FOR TOURIST TRADEDRAWBACKS LISTED

Grey River Argus, 14 October 1949, Page 7

BRITISH QUEST FOR TOURIST TRADEDRAWBACKS LISTED

LONDON, Oct 13.

Bad cooking, unnecessary and vexatious customs delays at some ports and cursory service by the staffs of some hotels are the chief points of criticism made by overseas visitors to Britain during the summer. A summary of these criticisms has been prepared by the Brhjish Travel Association from letters written by foreign and Commonwealth visitors. The comments varied considerably. Many were complimentry, some constructively critical, and others bluntly hostile. The most frequent criticism was .about the delays and annoyances caused by customs searches at Dover, Folkstone, Harwich, and iNewhaven. These ports deal chiefly with passengers from the Continent. On the other hand, the majority of passengers passing through Southampton and Plymouth, which deal with large numbers of Americans, were complimentary. Complaints about facilities at the Channel ports are considered to be due in part to the shortage of customs staff and the very heavy traffic. Some visitors complained about the petrol restrictions, but a surprising number showed an understanding of Britain’s difficulties over food. One oi’ two said that they thought there were too many meat msals in view of tahe meat shortage. A considerable unmber, however said that they did not think the British hotel cooks made good use of their material particularly when cooking vegetables Chipped and dirty crockery, lack of iced water and poor coffe were other common criticisms. A number of visitors praised the courtesy and helpfulness of bus and taxi drivers. Very few visitors favouied the five shillings minimum charge for meals, and a number were outspokenly critical of the addition ol house and service charges, which they regarded merely as a means of in creasing the demands made upon visitors and another way of confusing them.